On Wednesday the 8th of March, the ARUL Enterprise Hub hosted the 3rd edition of the Business Showcase at the East India Import building, featuring students and alumni from the ARUL community.
On this occasion, the event saw more budding entrepreneurs, who have established their new businesses only very recently; they took the event as an opportunity to test their businesses, and to gather valuable market information.
Participating entrepreneurs were:
Marilena Mocanu who was presenting two businesses:
- Digi Instant: A digital marketing agency, with a team of talented web designers and marketers who aim to provide quick, effective, and affordable services to small businesses.
Marilena has decided to open a digital marketing agency after preparing a project for one of the modules during her time at university, and was really inspired by the feedback given by a lecturer. She decided to embark on this new adventure as soon as she completed her course.
Marilena and her husband have suffered from various illnesses during the past years, and they found several benefits from using these products. Becoming ambassadors has allowed them to share their experiences with others that are facing a similar situation and are trying to find alternative, healthy solutions.
Blessing Sanku with Sandblondonbeauty7, a one-stop online store for beauty products.
Blessing’s dream was always to work in the beauty sector and create a beauty brand. She found the motivation to fulfil her aspirations during her time at university, where two modules in particular – one in Foundation Year and one during level 5 - inspired her to keep believing in her dreams, and never stop working towards her passions.
Adrian Burca with Crazy Raccoon Web Design: Adrian draws upon his extensive experience in digital marketing and passion for utilising the latest technology and marketing strategies, to help his clients reach their goals and provide the highest quality service.
When speaking to Adrian about his company, he explained that ‘My management experience has taught me the importance of clear communication, organisation, and a strong work ethic. I understand the value of leading by example and setting high standards for my team, which is why I work tirelessly to provide our clients with the best possible experience.’
Sophia Mane with Glitzy Candles Sparkles: Sophia has very recently started to craft home decoration accessories and candles, a passion she has always had but never had the time to pursue it. She finds that making candles with different scents brings her joy and peace of mind, and being able to share her passion with others and bring joy to people’s homes with her products is what drives her the most.
Claude Mouteng with Soreal Muller; Claude’s aspiration is to provide a healthy alternative to classic wine, a non-alcoholic, ginger-based wine aimed at maximising the health benefits of its component ingredients, perfect for parties or a mid-week wind-down.
Bailah Koroma with Koroma’s Kitchen, a successful business with a selection of ginger-based soft drinks in several different flavours, inspired ginger in drinks from Sierra Leone. He is one of the Enterprise Hub's longest-serving and most affectionate entrepreneurs and utilises the university's space daily to display his business and sell his delicious products.
The event was well attended despite the weather conditions and several trains disruptions; students and staff enjoyed talking with the business owners to find out more about their journey as students and entrepreneurs.
These Business Showcases have proven to be a great success because, as well as providing a fantastic opportunity for the students' entrepreneurs to exhibit their business, they are invaluable occasions of networking, of meeting like-minded people, such as students who were inspired by their lecturers, or by their peers who have launched a business. The students have put a great effort to work towards their dreams no matter how hard it might have looked at the start, or alumni post-study; they have all worked hard to fulfil their potential. Participants always find that the atmosphere surrounding these events is inspirational and enlightening.
Another successful event, thoroughly enjoyed by both business owners and the wider student and staff body!
Business Showcase Exhibition